India set to conclude FTA in services, investment with ASEAN by next month

20 Nov 2012 Evaluate

India is all set to conclude the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in services and investment with Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by next month, which will send a strong signal of deepening economic engagement and further allow for rapid expansion in trade and investment flows in both directions. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while addressing India-ASEAN summit, invited investments from the 10-nation ASEAN into India and also highlighted the steps taken by India to improve investment environment.

The FTA in services and investment were delayed due to strong differences between the two sides. However, Singh is optimistic on the conclusion of the agreement on trade in services and investments, together with existing agreement on trade in goods, which will be a launch pad for rapid expansion in economic relations with the ASEAN. By adding further he said, India’s relationship with the ASEAN continues to expand in all magnitude, with commerce and connectivity being crucial areas of this relationship in which good progress has been made.

Further, referring to the India-ASEAN FTA on trade in goods signed in 2009, Singh said that it has served well, with the two-way commerce increasing to nearly $80 billion in the Indian financial year ending March 2012, exceeding the target of $70 billion. However, India would offer its own resources, expertise and experience to support growth and development in ASEAN countries, where such needs exist.

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